Mutares has signed an agreement to acquire Continental’s drum brake production and R&D facility in Cairo Montenotte, Italy, in a deal that strengthens the private equity firm’s Automotive & Mobility segment with a new platform investment.

The transaction includes the transfer of all employees and operations, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, following the spin-off of Continental’s Automotive division as the independent company Aumovio.

The facility, located in Savona, is a key producer of hydraulic drum brake systems, including Parking Brakes for Simplex Brakes (EPB-Si) and Drum Brakes (Si). It is forecast to generate approximately €100m in revenues in 2025 and currently employs around 400 people.

“With the acquisition of Continental’s Cairo Montenotte site, we are strengthening our Automotive & Mobility segment,” said Johannes Laumann, CIO of Mutares. “The long-standing expertise, strong product portfolio, and highly skilled workforce provide an excellent foundation for operational development and future growth.”

Continental is divesting the asset as part of a broader strategy to streamline its European manufacturing footprint and sharpen its focus on core technologies, including electric braking and integrated friction systems. Philipp von Hirschheydt, Executive Board member at Continental and CEO-designate of Aumovio, said the agreement ensures continuity for employees and partners, while aligning with the group’s strategic goals.

The deal marks another example of Mutares’ platform-building strategy in the automotive space, targeting underperforming or non-core assets with growth and optimisation potential.

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